It would be an extremely poor strategic choice for Booker to challenge Christie for the governorship.

First, Christie's approval ratings, especially in the aftermath of Sandy, are very good. Booker is popular among NJ Democrats, sure, but Christie has proven himself to be a capable and effective governor who - unlike most prominent GOP politicians - will put his state and its residents before his political party. I think it's highly unlikely, barring some massive scandal, that New Jersey voters will decline to give him another term.

Second, Frank Lautenberg will be over 80 years old when he is up for re-election in 2014. He hasn't announced retirement yet, but I can't imagine he's seriously thinking about another term, and would probably gladly step aside for an up-and-comer like Booker to run for the Senate seat. If he's really interested in the governor's office, he could return to New Jersey when Christie is done.

Of course, there's nothing stopping Booker from running for both offices, but if he's coming off a loss to Christie while running against a Christie-endorsed Republican for the Senate...

qorkfiend:It would be an extremely poor strategic choice for Booker to challenge Christie for the governorship.

First, Christie's approval ratings, especially in the aftermath of Sandy, are very good. Booker is popular among NJ Democrats, sure, but Christie has proven himself to be a capable and effective governor who - unlike most prominent GOP politicians - will put his state and its residents before his political party. I think it's highly unlikely, barring some massive scandal, that New Jersey voters will decline to give him another term.

Second, Frank Lautenberg will be over 80 years old when he is up for re-election in 2014. He hasn't announced retirement yet, but I can't imagine he's seriously thinking about another term, and would probably gladly step aside for an up-and-comer like Booker to run for the Senate seat. If he's really interested in the governor's office, he could return to New Jersey when Christie is done.

Of course, there's nothing stopping Booker from running for both offices, but if he's coming off a loss to Christie while running against a Christie-endorsed Republican for the Senate...

Or, like many others, he's assuming Christie's going to make a run for president in 2016, which will give Booker the perfect opening for governor. That's probably why he's so on the fence right now.

brigid_fitch:qorkfiend: It would be an extremely poor strategic choice for Booker to challenge Christie for the governorship.

First, Christie's approval ratings, especially in the aftermath of Sandy, are very good. Booker is popular among NJ Democrats, sure, but Christie has proven himself to be a capable and effective governor who - unlike most prominent GOP politicians - will put his state and its residents before his political party. I think it's highly unlikely, barring some massive scandal, that New Jersey voters will decline to give him another term.

Second, Frank Lautenberg will be over 80 years old when he is up for re-election in 2014. He hasn't announced retirement yet, but I can't imagine he's seriously thinking about another term, and would probably gladly step aside for an up-and-comer like Booker to run for the Senate seat. If he's really interested in the governor's office, he could return to New Jersey when Christie is done.

Of course, there's nothing stopping Booker from running for both offices, but if he's coming off a loss to Christie while running against a Christie-endorsed Republican for the Senate...

Or, like many others, he's assuming Christie's going to make a run for president in 2016, which will give Booker the perfect opening for governor. That's probably why he's so on the fence right now.

If Booker is talking about making a decision in the "next two weeks", it's for the 2013 election, not the one after that.

qorkfiend:It would be an extremely poor strategic choice for Booker to challenge Christie for the governorship.

First, Christie's approval ratings, especially in the aftermath of Sandy, are very good. Booker is popular among NJ Democrats, sure, but Christie has proven himself to be a capable and effective governor who - unlike most prominent GOP politicians - will put his state and its residents before his political party. I think it's highly unlikely, barring some massive scandal, that New Jersey voters will decline to give him another term.

Second, Frank Lautenberg will be over 80 years old when he is up for re-election in 2014. He hasn't announced retirement yet, but I can't imagine he's seriously thinking about another term, and would probably gladly step aside for an up-and-comer like Booker to run for the Senate seat. If he's really interested in the governor's office, he could return to New Jersey when Christie is done.

Of course, there's nothing stopping Booker from running for both offices, but if he's coming off a loss to Christie while running against a Christie-endorsed Republican for the Senate...

Well put.

From everything I can tell, Christie is by far not anywhere near the top of the list of Republicans bringing the GOP down. Yeah, he gets made fun of for being fat... but seems to be pretty popular with everyone.

And, while Booker is popular as mayor... some good experience as a Senator will go a long way for his statewide and/or national ambitions.

whidbey:EighthDay: I don't think Booker getting in the ring would be a politically savvy move.

Less Republicans in office is ALWAYS a "politically savvy move."

When you have a R governor in a D state with a 60% approval rating, it's an uphill battle.

I'd love to see Booker move his way up in the political ladder, I just thing 2013 is a bit soon and would be a rough road and would rather see him succeed slowly than to become another failed candidate.

downstairs:Yeah, he gets made fun of for being fat... but seems to be pretty popular with everyone.

People sure have a short memory. All you have to do is listen to his speech endorsing Romney at the convention and you'd realize that you would not want this man in a position of power any more than we wanted Romney.